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Influenza activity continues to increase in the United States and most
of the country is now experiencing high levels of
influenza-like-illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) latest FluView report1. The seasonal flu can
be serious for everybody. So serious, in fact, that the CDC recommends
that nearly everyone get a flu vaccine.2 This is particularly
true for seniors (adults 65 and older).

As people age, it becomes more difficult for them to fight illness. As a
result, older adults are at greater risk of serious flu-related
complications, including pneumonia, hospitalization and even death.
According to Flu.gov, a website collaboration of several government
agencies, 90 percent of flu-related deaths and more than half of
flu-related hospitalizations occur in people age 65 and older.3

Fortunately, seniors can take measures to protect themselves by being
vaccinated against both the flu and pneumonia. Unfortunately, one-third
of people age 65 and older do not get their annual influenza shots and
more than one-third have never been vaccinated against pneumonia,
according to the CDC. With the flu season under way, Anthem Blue Cross
and Blue Shield is urging those 65 and older to get vaccinated against
the flu and pneumonia.

"With few exceptions, there really is no reason for seniors not to get
their vaccines, including their flu and pneumonia vaccines," said Eina
G. Fishman, MD, MS, CPE, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Chief Medical
Officer. "Studies have shown that these vaccines are generally safe and
effective. They also are easy to get and typically paid for by Medicare."

Following are some things Anthem wants seniors to know about vaccines
and flu season.

Flu Vaccine: Flu shots this year address three viruses, including
the H1N1 virus, the H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus. While the H1N1
virus used to make the 2012-2013 flu vaccine is the same virus that was
included in the 2011-2012 vaccine, the influenza H3N2 and B vaccine
viruses are different from those in the 2011-2012 influenza vaccine for
the Northern Hemisphere.

Pneumonia, too: Even some people who get the flu vaccine forget
to get the pneumonia vaccine. According to the CDC, seniors should get
both. Unlike the annual flu shot, most people need to get the pneumonia
vaccine only once, although under some circumstances a second dose may
be needed, according to the CDC. It is important for seniors to keep
good records about their vaccination history, the CDC says.

Easy Does It: Getting vaccinated is easy for Medicare
beneficiaries and their pocketbooks. Most people get the vaccines at
their primary care physician's office. Additionally, many flu vaccine
clinics are offered. The shot also is increasingly available at
pharmacies and retail locations. The costs of both vaccines and their
administration are generally covered by Medicare Part B, as long as the
provider accepts Medicare patients.4

Safety First: There's a common misperception that the flu shot
can give people the flu. It can't. Flu shots are inactivated vaccines
containing killed viruses ? they aren't live so they can't cause
infection, according to flu.gov.5 Manufacturers kill the
viruses while making the vaccine and batches are tested to ensure
safety. In addition to the shots, there is a flu mist made from a
weakened form of the virus, but it isn't recommended for seniors,
according to the CDC. Like flu shots, pneumonia shots are made from
inactivated materials.6

Never Too Late: It's a good idea to get the flu vaccine as soon
as it's available in the fall. However, since influenza activity
typically doesn't peak until January or February, it's still worth
getting the vaccine as late as January. The pneumonia vaccine is offered
year round. Health plans like Anthem send reminders to their members
about the importance of being vaccinated.

Follow Doctor's Orders: Even though flu and pneumonia vaccines
are recommended for seniors there are some exceptions, so be sure to
follow your doctor's orders. For example, flu vaccines are not
recommended for people severely allergic to chicken eggs or those who
had a bad reaction in the past.

Everyday Precautions: According to the CDC, the flu spreads
mainly when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. For that reason,
it's a good idea to avoid close contact with infected people and to keep
your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. Other good flu-fighting
tips include maintaining healthy habits, such as washing hands with soap
and water, getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing
stress, drinking plenty of liquids and eating nutritious foods.

For more information about the dangers of flu and the benefits of
vaccinations, talk to a health care provider or visit www.cdc.gov/flu.
A list of flu clinics is available by going to www.flu.gov
and plugging in a zip code.

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should
not be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult your health care
provider for advice about treatments that may affect your health.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in
Connecticut

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health
Plans, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield
Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance
Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are
registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in
Connecticut is available at www.anthem.com.
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